Media Advisory
For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269
June 24, 2009
Kansas Energy Office Announces Job Training Partnerships
Scholarships available for energy auditor training as part of ARRA
Topeka, KS-The State Energy Office (SEO) today announced partnerships with three institutions—Kansas Building Science Institute in Manhattan, Metropolitan Energy Center in Kansas City, and Neosho County Community College in Chanute—to provide training for all energy auditors qualified to work in a new program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
"I am excited to announce our partnership with these three institutions," said Thomas Wright, Chairman of the Kansas Corporation Commission. "The training of new energy auditors will assist in the creation of green jobs and in the improvement of energy efficiency in Kansas."
The State Energy Office is anticipating an increased demand for energy auditors as it prepares to launch a new revolving loan program to improve the energy efficiency of Kansas homes and small businesses. All projects financed through the Efficiency Kansas loan program must be based on energy audits conducted by qualified auditors."Energy auditors are critical to improving the energy efficiency of a home and there simply aren't enough in the current marketplace to meet the demand," Wright said. "The energy auditor training will provide individuals with the opportunity to enter a growing field or expand their current business."
To assist Kansans who wish to become energy auditors, the State Energy Office will use ARRA funds to provide 100 scholarships to cover the full cost of training at one of the approved training institutions. To be eligible, scholarship recipients must be 18 years or older, a resident of Kansas, and knowledgeable in construction, remodeling, and/or HVAC.
The comprehensive training programs will incorporate the best practices of energy auditing, including the ability to identify energy-savings opportunities, recommend design options, and oversee the implementation of an energy conservation plan. Individuals who complete one of the training programs at any of the three partner institutions will be eligible to participate in the new energy efficiency program as qualified auditors.
Metropolitan Energy Center and Neosho County Community College were also awarded competitive grants in the amount of $50,000 each, to aid the institutions in upgrading their facilities, hiring new staff, and expanding their operations.
For more information about auditor training or to apply for a scholarship visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/energy/arra.htm or call 785-271-3185.